The first night of Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA), one of the most popular and beloved Fiesta gatherings in the city, was in full swing Tuesday with thousands of people partaking in the multi-cultural celebration.
The event will take place everyday at La Villita from 5:30-10:30 p.m. until Friday, April 22.
NIOSA is one of those events where San Antonians really show how much they like to party. Hundreds of booths celebrated different cuisines from around the world – tamales from the Mexican Market, frog legs from the French Quarter, egg rolls from China Town – while attendees enjoyed beer and wine.
(Read more: Getting Around Fiesta San Antonio in 2016)
The San Antonio Conservation Society has hosted NIOSA for nearly 70 years to raise funds for historic preservation efforts in the city, and to recognize the rich history and backgrounds that have shaped Texas history and modern-day culture.
Fiesta-goers also enjoyed live musical performances by Patsy Torres & Blue Harmony, polka dancing and clogging performances by Eurofest and the Cadence Cloggers, and participated in karaoke with Do210 in Clown’s Alley.
Families and young children played games throughout the NIOSA grounds, while familiar hat ladies and vendors passed out medals. The evening – filled with food, drinks, cascarónes, and plenty of people – represented the festive chaos that is unique to Fiesta San Antonio.
NIOSA tickets are $15 for adults and are free for children. Advance tickets can be purchased at a discounted price of $12 at the following locations:
- San Antonio area H-E-B stores
- Southwest Research
- Fort Sam Houston Ticket Office
- Fiesta Commission
- Lackland AFB ITT
- Randolph AFB ITT
- NIOSA Crafters Store
*Top Image: A couple dances to country music in the La Villita courtyard. Photo by Kathryn Boyd-Batstone
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